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Northeastern Illinois University Celebrates Native American and Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month

A photo of Native American and Indigenous people participating in a drum circle at Northeastern Illinois University's Main Campus.

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026

Northeastern Illinois University is proud to recognize Native American and Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month throughout the month of November. 

The Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs is the lead organizer of this month’s events, which will be held on the Main Campus, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave. in Chicago, and virtually. 

Three events are free and open to the public: 

“Northeastern Illinois University recognizes that the history of Native and Indigenous Peoples is inextricably woven into the fabric of our city, state and University,” said Joeli Brinkman, Ph.D., Program Director of the Pedroso Center. “It is imperative that the contributions, traditions and the history of First Peoples be recognized, celebrated, honored and respected, which is what we seek to do all year round, but especially during this nationally recognized month.” 

Per the Library of Congress, “American Indian Week” was first proclaimed by the President of the United States in 1986 as directed by Congress. The United States has formally recognized the month of November as Native American and Indigenous Peoples’ Month since 1990 because it is the time of year when the traditional harvest season ends and many tribes hold celebrations. 

In efforts to build respectful and accountable relationships with the University and Native communities, the University formed the Land Acknowledgement and Action Committee in 2021. The Committee led the creation of a formal University land acknowledgement statement and the NEIU Native and Indigenous Student Scholarship, which is dedicated to sustainable support for the University’s Native American and Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students. 

“Honoring Native American and Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month requires us to do more than acknowledge history; it asks us to consider our responsibility in shaping the present and future,” Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Eric Pegués, Ed.D., said. “Native and Indigenous communities have long contributed to the cultural, intellectual and social fabric of our nation. Yet their stories, experiences and contributions have too often been overlooked.”

NEIU Libraries has also created a virtual display of books, streaming media and online collections. Students, faculty and staff can request materials from the library to learn more about the history, traditions and stories of Native American and Indigenous people.

“At NEIU, we have an opportunity to turn recognition into meaningful action by creating space for Indigenous voices, investing in Native and Indigenous students and building relationships rooted in respect, accountability and reciprocity,” Dr. Pegués said. “This work should never be limited to a month on the calendar. It should be reflected in how we show up, the histories we teach, the voices we amplify and the communities we commit to supporting every day.”

Top photo: Native American and Indigenous people participating in a drum circle at Northeastern Illinois University's Main Campus.